GUYANA is a dangerous place to live when you look at the numerous cases of gun-related crimes being perpetuated on a daily basis. Guns are surfacing in every conceivable place available, in so many areas that you might be asking yourself the question: Where did all these guns come from? Where did they come from is the question on everyone’s lips. Over the years, the use of these illegal weapons has been a recurring problem for everyone here, especially when you view the many deaths resulting from the direct use of it.
Truly, a morbid picture is painted of this country we call home, and if steps are not taken to address it, woe betide us. So, let us again ask the question: Where did all of these guns come from? And the answer is: They were issued these weapons for the “revolution”. A revolution! What revolution? Guyana does not have a civil war, and the present situation involving gun use does not in any way relate to civil strife!
I am in total agreement with this question-and-answer session, but hasten to say that if you listen in carefully at the Rodney COI, you will get another answer; the real answer to the quiz. The true answer is: Firearms were at one time issued to supporters in the event an overthrow should take place. Those firearms are still in circulation, waiting for that time.
If I should interject here to bring to your attention that the recent University of Guyana impasse has as its rallying theme “Revolution!” This is not a chance occurrence in the use of that word; its deliberate use was meant to intimidate the Government while at the same time exploit the political climate that prevails.
But the question still remains: What does the present gun usage have to do with a “revolution”. And my reply is: Everything!
You see, dear readers, these guns were issued to them in the event of. But what we see happening in the interim, between the then and now, is the usage of the illegal weaponry to commit untold crimes. Gun use follows a range of activities, from armed robberies to paid assassins in execution-style murders. The idea is, “get rich” in the intervening period.
These are portentous signs of the greater danger that lie ahead come May 11. I hope the PPP/C’s hierarchy is taking note of the course of events. I do hope they have put systems in place to deal with post-election violence?
Violence has shown its ugly head at every election in Guyana, and this one wouldn’t be any different. Post-elections drama, where violence is concerned, is real, and a comprehensive plan ought to be put in place. This fact should never be lost sight of, seeing this election marks a desperate attempt by forces who are hell-bent on winning by any means necessary.
One of the ways the ruling party can, and will counteract this unlikely occurrence is to flood this country with international observers. Have observers in constant circulation, especially in the hot-spot Region 4, where an already touted rigging plan has been set. The plan is to rig to get a close victory and create instability and doubt in the minds of the public. This will quite certainly set up a situation of chaos and confusion, which would eventually lead to the planned “revolution”.
This situation was fomented in 1997, and should have been carried out again in 2006. However, the proliferation of observers threw cold water on their plans. Those same plans are still in place for the upcoming polls. And again I urge the PPP/C Government to apply the same strategy to thwart their plans. It is simple and clear: You cannot rig when others are watching.
I have prepared a document that will be sent to the ruling party on the above plans. I am not worried about the election; I am concerned about the events that would take place thereafter.
NEIL ADAMS